Algex & Alumabrite can both be applied between 35"F - 2"C and 80"F - 27"C. The lower the temperature, the slower the cleaning and brightening will be and the longer you will have to wait. The higher the temperature the faster the action but when the temperature is at the higher range, you also have to be careful that the products do not evaporate before they have had a chance to work.

When working with Algex, it's helpful to cover the area with plastic to prevent evaporation and allow the chemical to work long enough to remove the growth. When working with Alumabrite, it's important to do a test in an inconspicuous spot to determine the right concentration and amount of time to leave the product on. If it starts to dry before you rinse it off, you will get streaks. If left on too long, especially in elevated temperatures, it will turn the aluminum white.

When you are through cleaning your aluminum, consider protecting it with Alumetron. This clear coating is easy to apply, very durable and will keep your aluminum looking clean and shiny for years. It's not an anti-fouling. To reduce the attachment of marine growth you need VS721.

Algex normally does not affect factory applied paint if it's powder coated or baked on. It's always wise to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure. The other thing is not to leave the Algex on longer than is necessary to remove the growth.

Keep in mind that in some cases the marine growth will penetrate through the paint and you may find pitting of the aluminum and damage to the paint. In future I suggest protecting the painted surface with VS721. It will reduce attachment and make cleanup much easier.

If your pontoons are 25" in diameter then the total surface area of both pontoons is about 321 sq. ft. I assume that 1/2 or less of the pontoon is in the water, therefore the wetted surface that you need to deal with is about 160 sq. ft. If you are like most pontoon boat owners you are only concerned with the outside of the pontoons, plus a bit on the inside at the front and back where they are visible co you can calculate about 1/2 the surface area plus about 20% for the front and back or about 192 sq. ft.

The amount of Algex that you require will depend on the amount, type and age of the growth. If the growth is light then one bottle will do, if moderate two bottles. If the growth is have (grass hanging off) then probably 4 bottles as you may have to go over them twice. If you have zebra mussels then you may need 6 bottles. In the last case, you will have to spray it on the mussels and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes to soften them up. Then scrape them with a plastic or wooden scraper. Afterwards, you will have to spray the adhesive from their attachment pods to soften and dissolve those and scrape again.

Yes, you can safely use Algex on fiberglass but it is not as aggressive as Algae Strip Industrial or Green Genie and may take several applications with 30 to 40 minute wait times for the chemical to work to get the same results. Use Algex on your props, trim tabs, lower drive unit and other underwater metal. It will clean the marine growth without damaging or discoloring the metal.

The amount of Algex you require is dependant on the amount and type of growth that you have on the bottom. One bottle will normally clean average growth from a 20 to 22 ft pontoon boat. Heavy growth or barnacle attachment can require multiple coats and therefore more product. If your pontoons are stained, use Alumabrite to brighten and restore them. VS721 Bottom Coat will help prevent future attachment of marine growth.

The simple answer is yes, Algex will work and it’s safe for bellows and seals. How well it meets your expectations however, depends on the extent of the growth. If you are interested in learning more click HERE